Wheel, drive wheel, and wheelchair

ABSTRACT

Provided is a wheel ( 6   a ) in which a disk ( 62 ) includes a ring-shaped rim ( 60 ) on which a tire ( 6   b ) is fitted, and a disk ( 62 ) having a flat circular shape and disposed on an inner circumference of the rim ( 60 ). The disk ( 62 ) includes a first rib ( 62   a ) and a second rib ( 62   b ) which extend in a radial direction of the disk ( 62 ). A width of each of the first rib ( 62   a ) and the second rib ( 62   b ) in a circumferential direction of the disk ( 62 ) increases toward an outer circumferential side of the disk ( 62 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a wheel, and more particularly to a wheel for a driving wheel of a racing wheelchair for use in track race, marathon or the like.

BACKGROUND ART

Heretofore, as a wheel for use in a driving wheel of a wheelchair, a bicycle or the like, a wheel has been known which comprises a ring-shaped rim on which a tire is fitted, and a disk having a flat circular shape and disposed on an inner circumference of the rim.

As this type of wheel, there is a wheel in which a plurality of spokes extending in a radial direction between the rim and the hub are arranged. However, if the spokes are made thinner or the spokes are made of a lighter material in order to reduce weight of this wheel, there is concern that a sufficient strength of the whole wheel cannot be obtained. Furthermore, in a case where the spokes are made of a light and strong material, this material is expensive, and hence there is concern that manufacturing cost increases.

To solve this problem, the present applicants suggest a wheel in which a disk is provided with protrusions (e.g., see Patent Literature 1). According to this wheel, the protrusions receive load in place of the spokes, and hence, for example, the spokes can be omitted, or a lighter material can be employed as a spoke forming material.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2017-158623

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

Even a wheel described in Patent Literature 1 can obtain a strength similar to that of a wheel comprising spokes. However, there is a request that the strength is to be further increased, from a user of a wheelchair in which the wheel is used (e.g., a passenger).

The present invention has been developed in view of the above respect, and an object thereof is to provide a wheel having a high strength while being inexpensive and lightweight, and a driving wheel and a wheelchair in which the wheel is used.

Solution to Problem

According to the present invention, provided is a wheel comprising:

a ring-shaped rim on which a tire is fitted, and a disk having a flat circular shape and disposed on an inner circumference of the rim, characterized in that

the disk comprises a protrusion extending in a radial direction of the disk, and

a width of the protrusion in a circumferential direction of the disk increases toward an outer circumferential side of the disk.

Thus, the disk of the wheel of the present invention is provided with the protrusion extending in the radial direction. Consequently, in this wheel, a load in the radial direction, which is borne by a spoke, can be borne by the protrusion of the disk. In other words, all or a part of the load, which is borne by the spoke, can be borne by the disk. As a result, the spoke can be omitted, and a material of the spoke can be made to be lighter, so that weight reduction of the wheel and cost reduction can be achieved.

Furthermore, the wheel of the present invention includes a configuration where the width of the protrusion in the circumferential direction increases toward the outer circumferential side. Consequently, load applied from an end portion of the protrusion on the outer circumferential side to a region around the end portion is distributed, as compared with a configuration where the width of the protrusion is constant, or decreases toward the outer circumferential side. As a result, the region is less likely to be damaged, and eventually, increase in a strength of the whole disk (i.e., the wheel) can be achieved.

Additionally, in the wheel of the present invention, it is preferable that:

the protrusion protrudes out to one side in a central axis direction of the disk, and

in a portion of the disk which corresponds to the protrusion on the other side in the central axis direction, a groove dented toward the one side in the central axis direction of the disk is formed.

According to this configuration, the protrusion is hollow. Consequently, a weight of the whole disk can be decreased as compared with a case where the protrusion is solid.

Furthermore, in the wheel of the present invention, it is preferable that:

an edge shape of a tip portion of the protrusion on the outer circumferential side in the radial direction is a curved shape which is curved along a circumferential edge of the disk, or a straight line shape which is orthogonal to a straight line passing a center of the disk and extending in the radial direction.

According to this configuration, the load applied from the end portion of the protrusion on the outer circumferential side to the region around the end portion is further distributed. As a result, the region is further less likely to be damaged, and eventually, further increase in a strength of the whole disk (i.e., the wheel) can be achieved.

Additionally, in the wheel of the present invention, it is preferable that at least one of a pair of side surfaces of the protrusion is inclined relative to a plane including a central axis of the disk.

According to this configuration, load applied from the side surfaces of the protrusion to a region around the surfaces is distributed in a direction along a plane part of the disk, as compared with a configuration where the side surfaces of the protrusion are parallel to the plane including the central axis of the disk (i.e., a configuration where the side surfaces are vertical to the plane part of the disk). As a result, the region is less likely to be damaged, and eventually, further increase in a strength of the whole disk (i.e., the wheel) can be achieved.

Furthermore, in the wheel of the present invention, in a configuration where the side surfaces of the protrusion are inclined,

it is preferable that an inclination angle of the at least one of the pair of side surfaces of the protrusion relative to the plane increases toward the outer circumferential side of the disk.

According to this configuration, a width of an end portion of the protrusion on an inner circumferential side is smaller, as compared with a configuration where the inclination angle of each side surface of the protrusion is constant. Consequently, even in a case where a plurality of protrusions are provided, a sufficient space between the protrusions can be acquired in a region in a vicinity of a central part. As a result, moldability in the region can be improved.

Additionally, in the wheel of the present invention, it is preferable that the disk comprises a plurality of protrusions, and a flat plate provided between two protrusions which are adjacent,

the flat plate is formed by stacking a plurality of fiber reinforced material sheets including at least a first fiber reinforced material sheet and a second fiber reinforced material sheet,

the first fiber reinforced material sheet includes a first fiber having a fiber direction being a first direction along a straight line passing a center of the first fiber reinforced material sheet and extending from a center of the disk in the radial direction, and

the second fiber reinforced material sheet includes a second fiber having a fiber direction being the first direction, and a third fiber having a fiber direction being a second direction intersecting the first direction.

According to this configuration, a force applied to the wheel can be efficiently received by the fibers. As a result, rigidity of the whole wheel can be improved without adding any special parts or the like.

A driving wheel of the present invention is characterized by comprising any wheel described above, and a tire fitted on the wheel.

The wheelchair of the present invention is a wheelchair comprising a cage including a seating seat, a vehicle body frame extending forward from the cage, a steering handle provided to the vehicle body frame, a front wheel attached to a front end portion of the vehicle body frame, and a pair of rear wheels attached to right and left sides of the cage, characterized in that each of the rear wheels is the above driving wheel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a wheelchair according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the wheelchair of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a front fork of the wheelchair of FIG. 1 seen from a front side.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a wheel of the wheelchair of FIG. 1 seen from an attaching side to a cage.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a disk of the wheel of FIG. 4 seen from the attaching side to the cage.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the disk of the wheel of FIG. 4 seen from a side opposite to the attaching side to the cage.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the disk taken along a line A-A of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the disk taken along a line B-B of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the disk taken along a line C-C of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a first rib of the disk of FIG. 6 seen from an outer circumferential side in a radial direction.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a hub of the wheel of FIG. 4.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view showing a structure around the hub of the wheel of FIG. 4.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

Hereinafter, description will be made as to a configuration of a wheelchair W according to an embodiment with reference to the drawings. Note that the wheelchair W of the present embodiment is for use in track race, marathon or the like. However, the wheel of the present invention is not applicable only to a racing wheelchair, and is also applicable to a wheel of a wheelchair for use in daily life, another vehicle such as a bicycle or the like.

First, a schematic configuration of the wheelchair W will be described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3.

As shown in FIG. 1, the wheelchair W comprises a cage 1, a vehicle body frame 2 extending forward from the cage 1, a steering handle 3 provided to the vehicle body frame 2, a front wheel 4 disposed in a front end portion of the vehicle body frame 2, a front fork 5 which is attached to the front end portion of the vehicle body frame 2, and to which the handle 3 is coupled, to hold the front wheel 4, a pair of rear wheels 6 (driving wheels) attached to right and left sides of the cage 1, and a hand rim 7 attached to the rear wheels 6 on a side opposite to the cage 1.

As shown in FIG. 2, the cage 1 has an upper part opened, and in the cage, a seating seat 1 a, on which an athlete (a passenger) sits, is disposed.

The handle 3 is connected to an end portion of a column part 5 a (see FIG. 3) of the front fork 5 pivotally supported in a tip portion of the vehicle body frame 2. In the wheelchair W, if the handle 3 is operated, an orientation of the front wheel 4 can be changed via the front fork 5, and the wheelchair W can be turned in a desired direction.

Each of the rear wheels 6 is constituted of a wheel 6 a, and a tire 6 b fitted on the wheel 6 a. The rear wheel 6 is attached to the cage 1 via an axle (not shown) extending laterally from the cage 1 in a state where an upper part of the rear wheel 6 is inclined close to the cage 1.

The hand rim 7 is integrally rotatably fixed to the rear wheel 6. The athlete who sits on the seating seat 1 a transmits a driving force to the rear wheels 6 via the hand rims 7.

As shown in FIG. 3, the front fork 5 includes the column part 5 a supported in the tip portion of the vehicle body frame 2, and fork parts 5 b extending in a bifurcated manner forward from the column part 5 a. In tip portions of the fork parts 5 b, bearing holes 5 c which support the axle of the front wheel 4 are formed.

The column part 5 a is formed in a cylindrical shape, and pivotally supported by the front end portion of the vehicle body frame 2 via a bearing (not shown). The handle 3 (see FIG. 1) is fixedly provided to an upper end portion of the column part 5 a. Next, description will be made as to the wheel 6 a of the rear wheel 6 of the wheelchair W with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 to FIG. 12.

First, a schematic configuration of the wheel 6 a will be described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 4.

As shown in FIG. 2, the wheelchair W comprises the pair of rear wheels 6 on the right and left sides of the cage 1. Each rear wheel 6 is constituted of the wheel 6 a, and the tire 6 b fitted on the wheel 6 a. The rear wheel 6 is attached to the cage 1 in the state where the upper part of the rear wheel 6 is inclined close to a central side on a cage 1 side.

As shown in FIG. 4, the wheel 6 a comprises a ring-shaped rim 60 on which the tire 6 b (see FIG. 2) is fitted, a hub 61 which is disposed in a central part of the rim 60, and to which the axle extending from the cage 1 is coupled, a disk 62 having a flat circular shape, including a circumferential edge portion to which the rim 60 is attached, and configured to cover an inner circumferential side of the rim 60 on the cage 1 side, a cover 63 configured to cover the inner circumferential side of the rim 60 on the side opposite to the cage 1, and holders 64 arranged at regular intervals in a circumferential direction between the disk 62 and the cover 63.

The hand rim 7 is fixed to the holders 64 via screws (not shown) extending through the hand rim 7, the cover 63 and the disk 62.

The disk 62 and the cover 63 are formed by stacking fiber reinforced material sheets (hereinafter, referred to simply as “FRP sheets”) made of fiber reinforced plastic, and then performing a heating treatment.

As a material which forms the FRP sheet, for example, fiber reinforced plastic in which polyacrylonitrile (PAN) carbon fiber is used, aramid fiber reinforced plastic, fiber reinforced plastic reinforced by glass fiber, pitch carbon fiber, PBO fiber, polyarylate fiber or polyethylene fiber, or the like is used.

The disk 62 of the present embodiment is formed by stacking at least two or more FRP sheets.

Furthermore, a cut-out sheet of a cloth material including two types of fibers different in a fiber direction is used as a first FRP sheet (a first fiber reinforced material sheet) which forms a body part of the disk 62 among the FRP sheets which form the disk 62.

The fiber direction of one fiber (a first fiber) of fibers included in a second FRP sheet is a direction (a first direction) along a straight line passing a predetermined position (e.g., a center of an edge on an inner side in a radial direction of the cut-out FRP sheet) among straight lines extending from a center of the disk 62 in the radial direction. Furthermore, the fiber direction of another fiber is a direction which intersects the first direction.

Additionally, a cut-out sheet of a cloth material including two types of fibers different in a fiber direction is also used as the second FRP sheet (the second fiber reinforced material sheet) which forms a surface on the cage 1 side among the FRP sheets which form the disk 62.

The fiber direction of one fiber (a second fiber) of the fibers included in the second FRP sheet is the direction (a first direction) along a straight line passing a center of the first FRP sheet among the straight lines extending from the center of the disk 62 in the radial direction. Furthermore, the fiber direction of another fiber (a third fiber) is a direction (a second direction) which intersects the first direction.

In a configuration where an orientation of the fiber included in the FRP sheet is set to this orientation, a force applied to the wheel 6 a can be efficiently received by the fibers. As a result, rigidity of the whole wheel 6 a can be improved without adding any special parts or the like.

Note that a forming method and a forming material of the disk 62 and the cover 63 are not necessarily limited to such forming method and forming material as described above. For example, a unidirectional reinforcing material (a UD material) may be used in place of the cloth material. Alternatively, for example, a metal such as iron or aluminum may be the forming material. Alternatively, for example, the forming method may be injection molding only by use of a resin material. Next, description will be made as to a shape of the disk 62 of the wheel 6 a with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.

As shown in FIG. 5, on a surface of the disk 62 on one side (i.e., on the side opposite to the cage 1 which is a left side in FIG. 5) in a direction of a first central axis a1 which is a central axis, a plurality of first ribs 62 a (first protrusions) and a plurality of second ribs 62 b (second protrusions) are provided to protrude out on one side in the first central axis a1 direction, and to extend in the radial direction of the disk 62. The first ribs 62 a and the second ribs 62 b are alternately arranged in a circumferential direction of the disk 62.

Furthermore, almost fan-shaped flat plates 62 c are provided one by one between the first rib 62 a and the second rib 62 b which are adjacent.

Additionally, at a central position of the disk 62 in the circumferential direction in each of the plurality of flat plates 62 c, a first auxiliary rib 62 d or a second auxiliary rib 62 e is provided to protrude out on the one side in the first central axis a1 direction, and to extend in the radial direction of the disk 62. The first auxiliary ribs 62 d and the second auxiliary ribs 62 e are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction of the disk 62.

Thus, the disk 62 of the wheel 6 a is provided with the first ribs 62 a, the second ribs 62 b, the first auxiliary ribs 62 d and the second auxiliary ribs 62 e which extend in the radial direction.

Consequently, in the wheel 6 a, a load in the radial direction, which is borne by spokes, can be borne by the first ribs 62 a, the second ribs 62 b, the first auxiliary ribs 62 d and the second auxiliary ribs 62 e of the disk 62. In other words, all or a part of the load borne by the spokes can be borne by the disk 62.

As a result, in the disk 62, the spokes are omitted, or a material of the spokes is made to be lighter, to achieve weight reduction of the disk 62 (eventually, the wheel 6 a) and cost reduction.

Additionally, in the disk 62, a number of the first ribs 62 a, the second ribs 62 b, the first auxiliary ribs 62 d, or the second auxiliary ribs 62 e to be provided is six. However, the wheel of the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the number of the ribs (the protrusions) may be appropriately designed in accordance with required strength, weight or the like.

For example, in the wheel 6 a of the present embodiment, one of each first rib 62 a and each second rib 62 b as well as one of each first auxiliary rib 62 d and each second auxiliary rib 62 e may be omitted. Conversely, the number of any ribs may be increased.

Furthermore, a protruding direction of the rib (the protrusion) is not limited to the side opposite to the cage, and may be on a cage side. Furthermore, each rib may have a different protruding direction. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 6, on a surface of the disk 62 on the other side (i.e., on the cage 1 side which is a left side in FIG. 6) in the first central axis a1 direction of the disk 62, a plurality of first grooves 62 f, a plurality of second grooves 62 g, a plurality of third grooves 62 h and a plurality of fourth grooves 62 i are provided to be dented toward one side in the first central axis a1 direction (i.e., the side opposite to the cage 1 which is a right side in FIG. 6).

Specifically, the first grooves 62 f are provided at positions corresponding to the first ribs 62 a. The second grooves 62 g are provided at positions corresponding to the second ribs 62 b. The third grooves 62 h are provided at positions corresponding to the first auxiliary ribs 62 d. The fourth grooves 62 i are provided at positions corresponding to the second auxiliary ribs 62 e.

In the disk 62, since the first grooves 62 f, the second grooves 62 g, the third grooves 62 h and the fourth grooves 62 i are provided in this manner, the first ribs 62 a, the second ribs 62 b, the first auxiliary ribs 62 d and the second auxiliary ribs 62 e have hollow shapes. Consequently, further weight reduction of the whole disk 62 (eventually, the wheel 6 a) can be achieved as compared with a case where the first ribs 62 a, the second ribs 62 b, the first auxiliary ribs 62 d and the second auxiliary ribs 62 e are solid.

Note that the wheel of the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The grooves may be omitted, and the ribs (the protrusions) may be made to be solid. In this case, a weight of the wheel is larger, but a strength thereof is larger than in a case where the ribs are made to be hollow. Therefore, hollow protrusions and solid protrusions may be mixed in accordance with the required strength.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, a first insertion hole 62 j extending through the disk 62 in the first central axis a1 direction is formed in a central part of the disk 62. The axle extending from the cage 1 is inserted into the first insertion hole 62 j.

Additionally, second through holes 62 k extending through the disk 62 in the first central axis al direction are formed at positions of the disk 62 which correspond to the holders 64 (see FIG. 4). The screws to fix the hand rim 7 are inserted into the second through holes 62 k.

Next, description will be made as to the first ribs 62 a, the second ribs 62 b, the first auxiliary ribs 62 d and the second auxiliary ribs 62 e of the disk 62 with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 to FIG. 10.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first ribs 62 a and the second ribs 62 b are provided to extend in the radial direction from the center of the disk 62. Each of a width of the first rib 62 a in the circumferential direction and a width of the second rib 62 b in the circumferential direction is configured to increase toward an outer circumferential side of the disk 62.

In this configuration, a load to be applied from end portions of the first rib 62 a and the second rib 62 b on the outer circumferential side to a region around the end portions is distributed, as compared with a configuration where the width of the first rib 62 a in the circumferential direction and the width of the second rib 62 b in the circumferential direction are constant, or decrease toward the outer circumferential side. As a result, the region is less likely to be damaged, and eventually, increase in a strength of the whole disk 62 (i.e., the wheel 6 a) can be achieved.

An edge shape of each of tip portions of the first ribs 62 a and the second ribs 62 b of the disk 62 on the outer circumferential side is a curved shape which is loosely curved along a circumferential edge of the disk 62.

Furthermore, a length of the first rib 62 a in the radial direction of the disk 62 is larger than a length of the second rib 62 b in the radial direction. However, a position, in the radial direction of a tip of the first rib 62 a on the outer circumferential side and a position of a tip of the second rib 62 b on the outer circumferential side are configured to be arranged almost in a row in the circumferential direction of the disk 62.

Additionally, an angle formed by opposite side surfaces of the second rib 62 b is set to be larger than an angle formed by opposite side surfaces of the first rib 62 a. Consequently, a width of the tip portion of the first rib 62 a on the outer circumferential side in the circumferential direction is about the same as a width of the second rib 62 b on the outer circumferential side in the circumferential direction.

Thus, in the disk 62, the edge shape of the tip portion of the first rib 62 a or the second rib 62 b on the outer circumferential side of the disk 62, the position of the tip in the radial direction and the width of the tip portion in the circumferential direction are configured as described above. Consequently, the load applied from the end portions of the first rib 62 a and the second rib 62 b on the outer circumferential side to the region around the end portions is uniformly distributed.

Note that the wheel of the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the edge shape of the tip portion of the rib (the protrusion) on the outer circumferential side may be a straight line shape which is orthogonal to the straight line passing the center of the disk and extending in the radial direction. Furthermore, the shape may be a straight line shape crossing to be inclined relative to the straight line passing the center of the disk and extending in the radial direction, in consideration of a rotating direction of the wheel in which the disk is used. Alternatively, for example, the positions of the tips of the plurality of ribs (protrusions) on the outer circumferential side may shift, and the widths of the tip portions of the plurality of ribs on the outer circumferential side in the circumferential direction may vary.

The first auxiliary rib 62 d and the second auxiliary rib 62 e are provided to extend from the center of the disk 62 in the radial direction. A length of the first auxiliary rib 62 d in the radial direction of the disk 62 is larger than a length of the second auxiliary rib 62 e in the radial direction. However, a position of a tip of the first auxiliary rib 62 d on the outer circumferential side in the radial direction and a position of a tip of the second auxiliary rib 62 e on the outer circumferential side are configured to be arranged almost in a row in the circumferential direction of the disk 62.

Thus, in the disk 62, the positions of the tips of the first auxiliary rib 62 d and the second auxiliary rib 62 e on the outer circumferential side in the radial direction of the disk 62 are configured as described above. Consequently, a load applied from end portions of the first auxiliary rib 62 d and the second auxiliary rib 62 e on the outer circumferential side to a region around the end portions is uniformly distributed.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7 to FIG. 9, a cross-sectional shape of the first rib 62 a is a hollow trapezoidal shape which protrudes out on one side of a central axis of the disk 62 (on the side opposite to the cage 1 which is a lower side in FIG. 7 to FIG. 9).

Specifically, the first rib 62 a includes a bottom surface 62 a 1 extending in parallel with the flat plate 62 c at a position away from the flat plate 62 c on the side opposite to the cage 1, a first side wall 62 a 2 located on one side (a right side in FIG. 7 to FIG. 9) of the bottom surface 62 a 1 in the circumferential direction of the disk 62, and a second side wall 62 a 3 located on the other side of the bottom surface 62 a 1 (a left side in FIG. 7 to FIG. 9) in the circumferential direction of the disk 62.

The first side wall 62 a 2 and the second side wall 62 a 3 are inclined to be symmetric via a virtual plane p, as seen relative to the virtual plane p which is a plane including the first central axis a1 (see FIG. 5 and FIG. 6) of the disk 62 from the radial direction of the disk 62. In other words, the first side wall 62 a 2 and the second side wall 62 a 3 are inclined relative to the flat plates 62 c of the disk 62.

In this configuration, a load applied from the first side wall 62 a 2 and the second side wall 62 a 3 to a region around the walls is distributed in a direction along a plane part of the disk 62, as compared with a configuration where the first side wall 62 a 2 and the second side wall 62 a 3 are parallel to the virtual plane p (i.e., a configuration where the walls are vertical to the plane part of the disk 62).

Consequently, in the disk 62, inhibition of damages on the region, eventually further increase in a strength of the whole disk 62 (i.e., the wheel 6 a) can be achieved.

As shown in FIG. 10, an inclination angle of each of the first side wall 62 a 2 and the second side wall 62 a 3 to the virtual plane p is configured to increase toward the outer circumferential side of the disk 62. Specifically, the inclination angle in the central part (see FIG. 8) is larger than the inclination angle on the inner circumferential side (see FIG. 7), and the inclination angle on the outer circumferential side (see FIG. 9) is larger than the inclination angle in the central part.

In other words, the first side wall 62 a 2 and the second side wall 62 a 3 are inclined relative to the virtual plane p not only as seen from the radial direction of the disk 62 but also as seen from the first central axis a1 direction of the disk 62.

In this configuration, a width of an end portion of each of the first side wall 62 a 2 and the second side wall 62 a 3 on the inner circumferential side is smaller (see FIG. 5 and FIG. 6), as compared with a configuration where the inclination angle is constant.

Consequently, even in a case where the disk 62 is provided with a plurality of first side walls 62 a 2 and a plurality of second side walls 62 a 3, a sufficient space between the first side wall 62 a 2 and the second side wall 62 a 3 which are adjacent is acquired in a region of a vicinity of the central part. In other words, improvement of a moldability in the region can be achieved.

Furthermore, although detailed description is omitted, the second rib 62 b has a shape similar to that of the first ribs 62 a.

Note that a configuration of the side walls of the rib (side surfaces of the protrusion) of the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

For example, in the present embodiment, each of the first side wall 62 a 2 and the second side wall 62 a 3 is inclined relative to the virtual plane p not only as seen from the radial direction of the disk 62 but also as seen from the first central axis a1 direction of the disk 62.

However, only one of the side surfaces may be inclined. Alternatively, the side surface may not be inclined relative to the plane including the central axis of the disk as seen from the radial direction, or may not be inclined as seen from the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the side surface may be provided to stand relative to the plane part of the disk.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the inclination angle of each of the first side wall 62 a 2 and the second side wall 62 a 3 relative to the virtual plane p increases toward the outer circumferential side of the disk 62. However, the inclination angle may be constant regardless of the position of the disk in the radial direction.

Next, description will be made as to the hub 61 of the wheel 6 a with reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12.

First, a schematic configuration of the hub 61 will be described with reference to FIG. 11.

As shown in FIG. 11, the hub 61 comprises a cylindrical collar part 61 a in which the axle is fitted, and a hub part 61 b. The hub part 61 b includes a cylindrical part 61 c in which the collar part 61 a is fitted, and a plurality of first fixed parts 61 d and a plurality of second fixed parts 61 e provided in an outer circumferential portion of the cylindrical part 61 c.

Each of the first fixed parts 61 d comprises a first blade portion 61 d 1 (a first blade part) having a long plate shape and extending in the radial direction, and a second blade portion 61 d 2 (the first blade part) having a long plate shape and extending in the radial direction at a position shifted from the first blade portion 61 d 1 in the circumferential direction.

The first blade portion 61 d 1 and the second blade portion 61 d 2 are inclined to be close to each other toward one side (the side opposite to the cage 1 which is an upper side in FIG. 11) in the first central axis a1 direction of the disk 62 when attached to the disk 62.

Specifically, the first blade portion 61 d 1 is inclined at an inclination angle corresponding to the surface of the disk 62 on one side (the side opposite to the cage 1) of the first central axis a1 of the first side wall 62 a 2 which is one of a pair of side surfaces of the first rib 62 a, relative to a plane including a second central axis a2 which is a central axis of the hub 61 (i.e., the virtual plane p being a plane including the first central axis a1 of the disk 62 which coincides with the second central axis a2) (see FIG. 7 to FIG. 9).

On the other hand, the second blade portion 61 d 2 is inclined at an inclination angle corresponding to the surface of the disk 62 on one side (the side opposite to the cage 1) of the first central axis a1 of the second side wall 62 a 3 which is the other of the pair of side surfaces of the first ribs 62 a, relative to the plane including the second central axis a2.

Each of the second fixed parts 61 e is provided at a position shifted from the first fixed part 61 d in a circumferential direction of the hub 61 (i.e., the circumferential direction of the disk 62). The second fixed part 61 e comprises a third blade portion 61 e 1 (a second blade part) having a long plate shape and extending in the radial direction, and a fourth blade portion 61 e 2 (the second blade part) having a long plate shape and extending in the radial direction at a position shifted from the third blade portion 61 e 1 in a circumferential direction.

The third blade portion 61 e 1 and the fourth blade portion 61 e 2 are inclined to be close to each other toward one side (the side opposite to the cage 1 which is an upper side in FIG. 11) in the central axis direction of the disk 62 when attached to the disk 62.

Specifically, the third blade portion 61 e 1 is inclined at an inclination angle corresponding to the surface of the disk 62 on one side (the side opposite to the cage 1) of the first central axis a1 of a first side wall which is one of a pair of side surfaces of the second rib 62 b, relative to the plane including the second central axis a2.

On the other hand, the fourth blade portion 61 e 2 is inclined at an inclination angle corresponding to the surface of the disk 62 on one side (the side opposite to the cage 1) of the first central axis a1 of a second side wall which is the other of a pair of side surfaces of the second rib 62 b, relative to the plane including the second central axis a2.

Next, description will be made as to a fixing method of the hub 61 to the disk 62 with reference to FIG. 12.

As shown in FIG. 12, the hub 61 is disposed in the central part of the disk 62. At this time, the first fixed part 61 d of the hub 61 is fixed to the first rib 62 a of the disk 62 from one side of the first central axis a1 of the disk 62 (the side opposite to the cage 1 which is an upper side in FIG. 12). Furthermore, the second fixed part 61 e of the hub 61 is fixed to the second rib 62 b of the disk 62 from the one side of the first central axis a1.

More specifically, the first blade portion 61 d 1 which is the blade portion on one side of the pair of blade portions of the first fixed part 61 d is fixed, by bonding or screwing, to a surface of the first side wall 62 a 2 in a vicinity of a tip portion of the first side wall 62 a 2 on the inner circumferential side in the radial direction, the first side wall being the side surface on one side of the pair of side surfaces of the first rib 62 a.

Similarly, the second blade portion 61 d 2 which is the blade portion on the other side of the pair of blade portions of the first fixed part 61 d is fixed, by the bonding or screwing, to a surface of the second side wall 62 a 3 in a vicinity of a tip portion of the second side wall 62 a 3 on the inner circumferential side in the radial direction, the second side wall being the side surface on the other side of the pair of side surfaces of the first rib 62 a.

Consequently, opposite side surfaces of the tip portion of the first rib 62 a are sandwiched between the first blade portion 61 d 1 and the second blade portion 61 d 2 of the first fixed part 61 d.

The third blade portion 61 e 1 which is the blade portion on one side of the pair of blade portions of the second fixed part 61 e is fixed, by the bonding or screwing, to a surface of the first side wall in a vicinity of a tip portion of the first side wall on the inner circumferential side in the radial direction, the first side wall being the side surface on one side of the pair of side surfaces of the second rib 62 b.

Similarly, the fourth blade portion 61 e 2 which is the blade portion on the other side of the pair of blade portions of the second fixed part 61 e is fixed, by the bonding or screwing, to a surface of the second side wall in a vicinity of a tip portion of the second side wall on the inner circumferential side in the radial direction, the second side wall being the side surface on the other side of the pair of side surfaces of the second rib 62 b.

Consequently, opposite side surfaces of the tip portion of the second rib 62 b are sandwiched between the third blade portion 61 e 1 and the fourth blade portion 61 e 2 of the second fixed part 61 e.

Thus, in the wheel 6 a, the opposite side surfaces of each of the first rib 62 a and the second rib 62 b are inclined, and the first blade portion 61 d 1, the second blade portion 61 d 2, the third blade portion 61 e 1 and the fourth blade portion 61 e 2 which extend from the hub 61 are fixed to the side surfaces. Consequently, in the wheel 6 a, the hub 61, and the first ribs 62 a and the second ribs 62 b are firmly joined without increasing a thickness of the wheel 6 a. Eventually, increase in a strength of a joined portion between the hub and each rib is achieved.

Additionally, in the wheel 6 a, the first blade portion 61 d 1 and the second blade portion 61 d 2 are fixed to sandwich the tip portion of the first rib 62 a therebetween, and the third blade portion 61 e 1 and the fourth blade portion 61 e 2 are fixed to sandwich the tip portion of the second rib 62 b therebetween.

Consequently, even if there is some manufacturing error in sizes of the first rib 62 a and the second rib 62 b, positions where the first blade portion 61 d 1, the second blade portion 61 d 2, the third blade portion 61 e 1 and the fourth blade portion 61 e 2 are formed, or the like, a sufficient joining area can be easily acquired. As a result, precision required during manufacturing can be decreased, and hence quality stabilization and manufacturing cost reduction can be achieved.

Note that the wheel of the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the rib (the protrusion) may be inclined only on one side in the circumferential direction of the disk.

For example, in the wheel 6 a of the present embodiment, the first blade portion 61 d 1 and the second blade portion 61 d 2 or the third blade portion 61 e 1 and the fourth blade portion 61 e 2 which extend from the hub 61 are joined to all the tip portions of the six first ribs 62 a and the six second ribs 62 b.

However, the number of the ribs (the protrusions) and the number of the blade portions may be appropriately changed in accordance with the required strength or the like. Furthermore, the blade portions may be fixed not to all the ribs but to some ribs (e.g., only to the first ribs 62 a in the present embodiment).

Furthermore, for example, the blade portions extending from the hub do not necessarily have to sandwich the tip portion of the rib (the protrusion) between the opposite side surfaces, and the blade portion may be fixed only to the side surface of the rib on one side. In this configuration, although the strength of the joined portion decreases, the weight reduction and manufacturing cost reduction can be achieved.

As shown in FIG. 11, the first blade portion 61 d 1 is the blade portion of the first fixed part 61 d on one side in the circumferential direction, and the fourth blade portion 61 e 2 is the blade portion of the second fixed part 61 e on the other side in the circumferential direction, the second fixed part being adjacent to the first fixed part 61 d on the one side in the circumferential direction. The first blade portion 61 d 1 and the fourth blade portion 61 e 2 are integrated in a part on the inner circumferential side in the radial direction, to form a base end portion 61 f.

Similarly, the second blade portion 61 d 2 is the blade portion of the first fixed part 61 d on the other side in the circumferential direction, and the third blade portion 61 e 1 is the blade portion of the second fixed part 61 e on one side in the circumferential direction, the second fixed part being adjacent to the first fixed part 61 d on the other side in the circumferential direction. The second blade portion 61 d 2 and the third blade portion 61 e 1 are integrated in a part on the inner circumferential side in the radial direction, to form the base end portion 61 f.

The base end portion 61 f extends in the radial direction from the second central axis a1 as the center, and the first blade portion 61 d 1 and the fourth blade portion 61 e 2, or the second blade portion 61 d 2 and the third blade portion 61 e 1 extend to branch from one base end portion 61 f.

Furthermore, a thickness of the base end portion 61 f is larger than a thickness of each of the first blade portion 61 d 1, the second blade portion 61 d 2, the third blade portion 61 e 1 and the fourth blade portion 61 e 2.

Since the hub 61 is provided with the base end portion 61 f, increase in a strength of the first fixed part 61 d and the second fixed part 61 e on a base end side (eventually, a strength of the wheel 6 a around the axle) can be achieved.

Note that the base end portion 61 f is located on the inner circumferential side in the radial direction of the disk 62 than the first ribs 62 a or the second ribs 62 b.

Note that the fixed part of the present invention is not limited to this configuration. All the blade portions may be provided independently, or only some of the plurality of blade portions may be integrated with the adjacent blade portions. Alternatively, an extending direction of the base end portion may be the same as that of one of the integrated blade portions. Specifically, the blade portion may be formed to branch from a middle of the other straight extending blade portion.

Furthermore, a length of each of the third blade portion 61 e 1 and the fourth blade portion 61 e 2 in the radial direction is larger than a length of each of the first blade portion 61 d 1 and the second blade portion 61 d 2 in the radial direction.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, in a case where the hub 61 is attached to the disk 62, the lengths of the first blade portion 61 d 1 and the second blade portion 61 d 2 are set so that the tip portions of the blade portions can reach the tip portion of the first rib 62 a, and the lengths of the third blade portion 61 e 1 and the fourth blade portion 61 e 2 are set so that the tip portions of the blade portions can reach the tip portion of the second rib 62 b which is located outside the tip portion of the first rib 62 a in the radial direction.

Consequently, the joined positions among the first rib 62 a and the second rib 62 b, and the first blade portion 61 d 1, the second blade portion 61 d 2, the third blade portion 61 e 1 and the fourth blade portion 61 e 2 (i.e., positions where stress against a load from the axle, an input driving force or the like tends to concentrate) are not arranged in a row in the circumferential direction, and are arranged at positions shifted in the radial direction. As a result, the stress can be distributed, and hence the strength of the whole wheel can be further increased.

Note that the hub of the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The lengths of the blade portions may be all set to the same length, or may be set to appropriately different lengths in accordance with the strength required for the wheel, or the like. For example, in a configuration where the pair of blade portions forms the fixed part as in the present embodiment, instead of changing the length of the blade portion for each fixed part, the length of the blade portion on one side in a rotating direction of the wheel in the pair of blade portions of the fixed part may only be decreased or increased.

Furthermore, a width around the base end portion 61 f of the first blade portion 61 d 1 and the second blade portion 61 d 2 is set to be larger than the width of the tip portion. In other words, the widths of the first blade portion 61 d 1 and the second blade portion 61 d 2 are set to increase toward the inner circumferential side in the radial direction of the disk 62.

This is because the stress against the load from the axle, the input driving force or the like tends to increase around the axle (i.e., toward the inner circumferential side in the radial direction of the disk 62). To solve the problem, in the hub 61, if the widths of the first blade portion 61 d 1 and the second blade portion 61 d 2 are increased toward the inner circumferential side in the radial direction, the stress can be efficiently received in each joined portion between each of the first rib 62 a and the second rib 62 b, and each of the first blade portion 61 d 1, the second blade portion 61 d 2, the third blade portion 61 e 1 and the fourth blade portion 61 e 2.

Note that the hub of the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The widths of the blade portions may be uniformly set, or increased toward the outer circumferential side in the radial direction, in accordance with the strength required for the disk, the shape of the rib (the protrusion) or the like. Furthermore, the widths of the blade portions may be changed in three or more stages, or may be continuously changed.

The shown embodiment has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this aspect.

For example, in the above embodiment, the wheel 6 a is not provided with any spokes. However, the wheel of the present invention may be provided with the spokes.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the wheel 6 a on the side opposite to the cage 1 is covered with the cover 63. However, according to the wheel of the present invention, the wheel on the side opposite to the cage may be covered with a disk in which ribs (protrusions) are formed, in place of the cover. Additionally, in this case, the wheel on the cage side may be covered with a cover in which any protrusions are not formed, in place of the disk.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   1 cage -   1 a seating seat -   2 vehicle body frame -   3 steering handle -   4 front wheel -   5 front fork -   5 a column part -   5 b fork part -   5 c bearing hole -   6 rear wheel (driving wheel) -   6 a wheel -   6 b tire -   7 hand rim -   60 rim -   61 hub -   61 a collar part -   61 b hub part -   61 c cylindrical part -   61 d first fixed part -   61 d 1 first blade portion (first blade part) -   61 d 2 second blade portion (first blade part) -   61 e second fixed part -   61 e 1 third blade portion (second blade part) -   61 e 2 fourth blade portion (second blade part) -   61 f base end portion -   62 disk -   62 a first rib (first protrusion) -   62 a 1 bottom surface -   62 a 2 first side wall -   62 a 3 second side wall -   62 b second rib (second protrusion) -   62 c flat plate -   62 d first auxiliary rib -   62 e second auxiliary rib -   62 f first groove -   62 g second groove -   62 h third groove -   62 i fourth groove -   62 j first insertion hole -   62 k second through hole -   63 cover -   64 holder -   a1 first central axis -   p virtual plane -   W wheelchair 

1. A wheel comprising: a ring-shaped rim on which a tire is fitted, and a disk having a flat circular shape and disposed on an inner circumference of the rim, wherein the disk comprises a protrusion extending in a radial direction of the disk, and a width of the protrusion in a circumferential direction of the disk increases toward an outer circumferential side of the disk.
 2. The wheel according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion protrudes out to one side in a central axis direction of the disk, and in a portion of the disk which corresponds to the protrusion on the other side in the central axis direction, a groove dented toward the one side in the central axis direction of the disk is formed.
 3. The wheel according to claim 1, wherein an edge shape of a tip portion of the protrusion on the outer circumferential side in the radial direction is a curved shape which is curved along a circumferential edge of the disk, or a straight line shape which is orthogonal to a straight line passing a center of the disk and extending in the radial direction.
 4. The wheel according to claim 1, wherein at least one of a pair of side surfaces of the protrusion is inclined relative to a plane including a central axis of the disk.
 5. The wheel according to claim 4, wherein an inclination angle of the at least one of the pair of side surfaces of the protrusion relative to the plane increases toward the outer circumferential side of the disk.
 6. The wheel according to claim 1, wherein the disk comprises a plurality of the protrusions, and a flat plate provided between two protrusions which are adjacent, the flat plate is formed by stacking a plurality of fiber reinforced material sheets including at least a first fiber reinforced material sheet and a second fiber reinforced material sheet, the first fiber reinforced material sheet includes a first fiber having a fiber direction being a first direction along a straight line passing a center of the first fiber reinforced material sheet and extending from a center of the disk in the radial direction, and the second fiber reinforced material sheet includes a second fiber having a fiber direction being the first direction, and a third fiber having a fiber direction being a second direction intersecting the first direction.
 7. A driving wheel comprising the wheel according to claim 1, and a tire fitted on the wheel.
 8. A wheelchair comprising a cage including a seating seat, a vehicle body frame extending forward from the cage, a steering handle provided to the vehicle body frame, a front wheel attached to a front end portion of the vehicle body frame, and a pair of rear wheels attached to right and left sides of the cage, wherein each of the rear wheels is a driving wheel according to claim
 7. 